- World debut for the Lexus LF-NX mid-size crossover concept
- European premiere of the Lexus GS 300h
Lexus’s presentation at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show (IAA) is led by the world-first appearance of its new LF-NX concept, a vision for a mid-size luxury crossover model.
The show also hosts the first European public appearance of the new Lexus GS 300h, a full hybrid that will be added to the new GS model range in the UK later this year.
Lexus LF-NX concept
- Vision for a mid-size Lexus crossover model
- Distinctive, sculpted exterior
- Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid powertrain tuned for SUV performance
- Human Oriented interior with touch-sensitive instrumentation
- Debut appearance at 2013 Frankfurt motor show on 10 September
A new Lexus mid-size crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world debut at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, a study that explores the potential for this kind of vehicle in the Lexus model range.
The LF-NX reinforces Lexus’s leadership in hybrid power in the premium market, being powered by a new variation of the Lexus Hybrid Drive full hybrid system, tuned for SUV performance. It combines a 2.-5-litre, four-cylinder Atkinson cycle petrol engine with a power electric motor. At lower speeds, LF-NX can be driven under electric motor power alone.
The powerfully sculpted styling reflects a further evolution of the L-finesse design language that influences the look of all today’s Lexus models.
The car’s frontal appearance is dominated by a strong interpretation of Lexus’s spindle grille and a signature arrangement of the front lights. The daytime running lights are given added visual emphasis by being positioned independent from the headlamps, in a similar fashion to the new Lexus IS, and underscored by full length LED turn signal lamps. The headlamps comprise three diamond-shaped LED units.
The LF-NX also displays a distinctive treatment of the front corners, which separate the bumper from the front wings with a sharp vertical cut line that narrows to a point beneath the headlamp units.
In profile, the LF-NX concept presents muscular wheel arches, edged with a black protective finish that expresses its urban crossover character. Above the pronounced diamond shape of the belt line, the side glazing is arranged in the classic Lexus profile, which works with the steep rake of the tailgate and integrated rear spoiler to create an athletic coupe-like silhouette. Both the front and rear wings are formed by a series of muscular, concave and convex curves.
At the rear the highly articulated lamp clusters project down the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle that mirrors the detailing of the front wing design. The classic Lexus L-shape of the lamps is scored strongly into the rear bodywork, echoing the spindle form of the front grille. The wide lower bumper has no visible exhaust outlet, in recognition of the full hybrid powertrain’s low emissions performance.
The concept is being presented in a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior finish that creates a striking impression of the car having been carved from a single piece of solid metal.
The interior mirrors the highly sculpted approach to the exterior with powerful forms and a highly ergonomic driver’s cockpit.
The cabin follows the “Human Oriented” element of Lexus’s L-finesse design, presenting a dashboard divided between an upper display zone and lower operation zone – a format perfected in successive generations of Lexus models. This enables intuitive interaction with the concept vehicle’s next generation technology, including touch-sensitive electrostatic switches and a new touchpad Remote Touch Interface design. Ease of use is further supported by an adjustable driver’s armrest.
The centre console extends the full length of the cabin, bisecting the rear seats. Its bright, brushed metal finish has also been applied to the main instrument meters, the steer wheel, seat structure and overhead console.
The concept’s status as a premium crossover is reinforced by carved metal surfacing around the interior, sophisticated blue instrument lighting and yellow and black leather upholstery with contrast stitching.
- Distinctive and sculpted styling
- ‘Human Oriented’ interior design with new, touch-sensitive instrumentation
- Highly efficient full hybrid powertrain
FRANKFURT, Germany, Sept. 4, 2013 – A new Lexus compact crossover concept, the LF-NX, will make its world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA). This concept explores the potential for a compact crossover within the Lexus model range.
Reinforcing Lexus’ leading position in full hybrid drive technology, the LF-NX concept is powered by a new variant of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system tuned for SUV performance.
With its highly distinctive and powerfully sculpted styling, the LF-NX concept’s exterior design reflects a further evolution of Lexus’ L-finesse design language.
The front is dominated by a strong interpretation of the Lexus spindle grille, extremely expressive signature front lighting with independent Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and unique corner styling which separates the bumper from the front wing with an aggressive vertical cut.
In profile, muscular wheel arches are trimmed with the black protective finish which typifies an urban crossover. Above the pronounced diamond shape of the belt line, a classic Lexus side glazing profile and steeply raked tailgate create the sweeping silhouette of an athletic coupe.
The rear features highly articulated lamp clusters. They are detailed to project downwards to the full depth of the bumper, creating a sharp, aerodynamic trailing edge to the vehicle which mirrors the front wing detailing.
The Lexus LF-NX concept is finished in a new Brushed Metal Silver exterior colorwhich gives the striking impression that the bodyshell has been carved from a single piece of solid metal.
The interior mirrors the LF-NX’s highly sculpted exterior with bold, powerful forms creating a driver-focused cockpit within an ergonomically ideal environment.
In a continuation of the ‘Human Oriented’ L-finesse design concept, the cabin features the ideal, upper display zone and lower operation zone dashboard format perfected over successive Lexus generations.
This allows for intuitive interaction with the vehicle’s next generation technology, which includes touch-sensitive electrostatic switches, and a new touch pad Remote Touch Interface (RTI) design.
Reinforcing the LF-NX concept’s premium crossover credentials, the strength and refinement of the interior’s carved metal surfacing is complemented throughout by Sunrise Yellow / Black leather upholstery with contrast stitching, and sophisticated blue instrument lighting.
The Lexus press conference is scheduled on September 10 at 13:00 CET on the Lexus stand, Hall 8, Frankfurt Messe.
